Finding Aid for the Dr. A. Jean Ayres Archive 0317
Jennifer Allan
USC Libraries Special Collections
Doheny Memorial Library 206
3550 Trousdale Parkway
Los Angeles, California 90089-0189
specol@usc.edu
Contributing Institution:
USC Libraries Special Collections
Title: Dr. A. Jean Ayres Archive
Creator:
Ayres, A. Jean
Identifier/Call Number: 0317
Physical Description:
10 Linear Feet
16 boxes
Date (inclusive): 1943-2006
Abstract: Papers, tests, and artifacts of A. Jean Ayres, groundbreaking occupational therapist. All items donated by friends, family,
and coworkers.
Language of Material:
English
.
Biography
Anna Jean Ayres was born in 1923 in central California. She received her BA in occupational therapy in 1945, her MA in occupational
therapy in 1954, and her PhD in educational psychology in 1961. All her degrees were from the University of Southern California.
She was married in 1969 to Franklin Baker and died in 1989 due to complications from cancer.
Ayres' major research focused on sensory integration and the brain, and how sensory integration dysfunction affects children's
learning abilities. In 1977, the Ayres Clinic was created to treat children with SI dysfunction using techniques from occupational
therapy. Ayres published 54 articles, two books, and numerous tests and videos related to sensory integration dysfunction
and therapy. She was a frequent lecturer and was a founder of Sensory Integration International, a non-profit organization
dedicated to the promotion of sensory integration research.
Scope and Content
The Ayres Archive consists of correspondence, lectures, notes, legal papers, newsclippings, newsletters, journal articles,
publications, tests, tools, artifacts, photographs, cassette tapes, and video-tapes. The bulk of material is photocopied correspondence
and lecture text.
The Archive is organized into six series: Personal Papers, Correspondence, Lectures and Speeches, Research, Publications,
and Tests and Artifacts.
Access
Collection is open for research. Collection is stored off-site and advance notice is required for access.
Publication Rights
All requests for permission to publish or quote from manuscripts must be submitted in writing to the University Archivist.
Permission for publication is given on behalf of University Archives as the owner of the physical material, and is not intended
to include or imply permission of the copyright holder, which must also be obtained.
Preferred Citation
[Box/folder# or item name], Dr. A. Jean Ayres Archive, Collection no. 0317, Special Collections, USC Libraries, University
of Southern California
Acquisition Information
Items in this collection were donated from a variety of sources. The bulk of items came from Brian Erwin. Where possible,
the donor is noted with the item description.
Processing Information
Processed by: Jennifer Allan, July 26, 2004
Subjects and Indexing Terms
Photographs
Notes
Publications
Typescripts
Sensorimotor Integration -- Archival resources
Occupational therapy -- Archival resources
Learning disabilities -- Treatment -- Archival resources
Occupational therapy for children -- Archival resources
Correspondence
Ayres, A. Jean -- Archives
University of Southern California. Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy Department -- Archives
Ayres and Baker - Personal
1920s-1994
Physical Description: 0.5 Linear Feet
Scope and Contents note
Personal and legal papers of Ayres and her husband, Franklin Baker, and artifacts.
Box 1, Folder 1
Articles Mentioning Ayres
1994
Scope and Contents note
Two articles mentioning Ayres.
General note
From Nancy Erwin through Brian Erwin.
Box 1, Folder 2
Deaths of Ayres Baker - Obitiuaries, Memorial Service, Etc.
1981-1989
Scope and Contents note
Newspaper articles, newsletters, photocopied correspondence, a transcript of the Ayres memorial service, and other materials
about the deaths of Ayres and Baker.
General note
From various sources.
Box 1, Folder 3
Degrees
1946-1983
Scope and Contents note
Ayres' resume and photocopies of degrees and awards received.
Box 1, Folder 4
Legal Papers and Poetry
1943-1969
Scope and Contents note
Poetry initialed "AJA," transcript of the Ayres-Baker wedding ceremony, a certified copy of Ayres' birth certificate, and
a legal agreement signed by Baker.
Box 6
A. Jean Ayres: The Pioneer Behind Sensory Integration
Scope and Contents note
VHS tape of a brief documentary on Ayres.
Box 6
Memorial Service Recording
1989
Scope and Contents note
Seven cassette tapes of the memorial service for Ayres.
Box 9
Roll Books
Scope and Contents note
Two roll books for classes at USC.
Box 10
"Fair Market Value Appraisal of Ayres Clinic"
1984
Scope and Contents note
Bound appraisal of the Ayres Clinic by Philip J. Garcia.
General note
Donated by Brian Erwin.
Box 12
Photograph albums
1920s-1940s
Scope and Contents
Two photograph albums documenting Dr. Ayres' life from early childhood through her college years and adulthood.
Correspondence
1961-1989
Physical Description: 2 Linear Feet
Scope and Contents note
Correspondence to and from Ayres.
Box 1, Folder 5
Photographs
1964-1989
Scope and Contents note
Photographs of Ayres from workshops and seminars. Also, photographs from the Ayres memorial service and printed photographs
from ZIP disk.
General note
Printed photos from Brian Erwin; memorial service photos from Ora Mae Crane; photos in sleeves from Antje Price. ZIP disk
located in Box 6.
Box 1, Folder 6
Correspondence to Nancy Erwin
1986-1987
Scope and Contents note
Two letters from Ayres to her sister, Nancy.
General note
From Nancy Erwin through Brian Erwin.
Box 1, Folder 7
Correspondence Between Donors
1989
Scope and Contents note
Correspondence and memoirs from former students, co-workers, and family members. Also, a promotional poster for the Ayres
Archive at USC.
General note
Donated by Shay McAtee, Brian Erwin, and other donors.
Box 1, Folder 8
Correspondence with W.P.S.
1961-1985
Scope and Contents note
Photocopied correspondence from Ayres to the Western Psychological Society, mostly about her publications through WPS.
General note
Donated by the W.P.S.
Box 1, Folder 9
Correspondence to Price, Antje
1956-1988
Scope and Contents note
Correspondence to Price on various topics, including workshops, visits, international interest in sensory integration, and
other topics. A more detailed list is at the front of the folder.
General note
Donated by Antje Price.
Box 1, Folder 10
Correspondence - USC
1976-1984
Scope and Contents note
Correspondence to departments of USC about accounting, purchases, students in Ayres' class, and other topics.
Box 1, Folder 11
AOTF: Directions for the Future, July/August 1988
1988
Scope and Contents note
Photocopied correspondence from the American Occupational Therapy Foundation regarding Ayres' involvement in "Directions for
the Future" symposia. Also, handwritten notes by Ayres regarding the symposia.
Box 1, Folder 12
AOTF: Library/Archives
1985
Scope and Contents note
Letter from the American Occupational Therapist Association thanking Ayres for the donation of her OT-related library.
Box 1, Folder 13
Miscel. Prof. Organizations
1963-1969
Scope and Contents note
Photocopied correspondence and brochures from various professional organizations to and from Ayres.
Box 1, Folder 14
Correspondence, 1988
1988
Scope and Contents note
Photocopied correspondence to and from Ayres on a variety of topics, including professional activities, long-distance diagnoses,
and others.
Box 1, Folder 15
Personal Letters Received
1987
Scope and Contents note
Photocopied correspondence about success in treatment and other topics.
Box 1, Folder 16
Correspondence, 1987
1987
Scope and Contents note
Photocopied orrespondence regarding professional associations, international studies, and other topics. Also, a copy of a
reference guide for review.
Box 1, Folder 17
Correspondence, 1986
1986
Scope and Contents note
Photocopied orrespondence regarding professional activities, restaurants near the Ayres Clinic, and other topics. Also, study
proposals and other materials.
Box 1, Folder 18
Correspondence, 1985
1985
Scope and Contents note
Photocopied personal and professional correspondence to and from Ayres.
Box 1, Folder 19
Correspondence, 1984
1984
Scope and Contents note
Photocopied personal and professional correspondence to and from Ayres.
Box 1, Folder 20
Correspondence, 1983
1983
Scope and Contents note
Photocopied personal and professional correspondence to and from Ayres.
Box 2, Folder 1
Correspondence, 1982, 1984
1982
Scope and Contents note
Photocopied personal and professional correspondence to and from Ayres.
Box 2, Folder 2
Correspondence, 1981
1981
Scope and Contents note
Photocopied personal and professional correspondence to and from Ayres.
Box 2, Folder 3
Correspondence, 1980
1980
Scope and Contents note
Photocopied personal and professional correspondence to and from Ayres.
Box 2, Folder 4
Correspondence, 1979
1979
Scope and Contents note
Photocopied personal and professional correspondence to and from Ayres.
Box 2, Folder 5
Correspondence, 1978
1978
Scope and Contents note
Photocopied personal and professional correspondence to and from Ayres.
Box 2, Folder 6
Correspondence, 1977
1977
Scope and Contents note
Photocopied personal and professional correspondence to and from Ayres.
Box 2, Folder 7
Correspondence, 1977-1979
1977-1979
Scope and Contents note
Photocopied personal and professional correspondence to and from Ayres.
Box 2, Folder 8
Correspondence, January - December, 1976
1976
Scope and Contents note
Photocopied personal and professional correspondence to and from Ayres.
Box 2, Folder 9
Correspondence, 1976 - Workshops
1976
Scope and Contents note
Photocopied correspondence to and from Ayres regarding workshops, seminars, and lectures.
Box 2, Folder 10
Correspondence - Workshops
1975
Scope and Contents note
Photocopied correspondence to and from Ayres regarding possible workshops, seminars, and lectures.
Box 3, Folder 1
Correspondence - General
1975
Scope and Contents note
Photocopied personal and professional correspondence to and from Ayres.
Box 3, Folder 2
Correspondence
1974
Scope and Contents note
Photocopied personal and professional correspondence to and from Ayres.
Box 3, Folder 3
Correspondence - Workshops
1974
Scope and Contents note
Photocopied correspondence to and from Ayres regarding possible workshops, seminars, and lectures.
Box 3, Folder 4
Correspondence
1973
Scope and Contents note
Photocopied personal and professional correspondence to and from Ayres.
Box 11
Correspondence
1973-1988
Scope and Content
Primarily photocopies of correspondence; also includes some typescripts, a memorial to Dr. Ayres, and material from professional
organizations.
Lectures and Speeches
1964-1985
Physical Description: 1 Linear Feet
Scope and Contents note
Includes lectures given to USC students, notes for class lectures, speeches given at workshops and conventions, and cassette
tapes of Ayres' speeches.
Box 3, Folder 5
Dyspraxia, 1985 Developmental Dyspraxia - References
Scope and Contents note
Two photocopied lists of references on dyspraxia and developmental dyspraxia.
Box 3, Folder 6
Dyspraxia Lecture Outline
1985
Scope and Contents note
Photocopied lecture outline, with notes.
Box 3, Folder 7
Dyspraxia, 1985
1985
Scope and Contents note
Photocopied handwritten lecture titled "Dyspraxia '85."
Box 3, Folder 8
Lecture to Undergraduates
Scope and Contents note
Handwritten lecture notes for lecture to USC undergraduates.
Box 3, Folder 9
Apraxia Notes: In Lecture, Already Used 1:2
Scope and Contents note
Photocopied handwritten lecture notes.
Box 3, Folder 10
Apraxia Notes: In Lecture, Already Used 2:2
Scope and Contents note
Photocopied handwritten lecture notes.
Box 3, Folder 11
USC - Student Names
Scope and Contents note
Lists of therapists who studied with Ayres at the Ayres Clinic, both through USC and without USC sponsorship.
Box 3, Folder 12
Dyspraxia, 1985
Scope and Contents note
Photocopied lecture outline and lecture notes, and an agreement between Sensory Integration International and Ayres regarding
publication of her lecture "Developmental Dyspraxia and Adult-Onset Apraxia.
Box 4, Folder 1
Autism Lecture, December 1978
Scope and Contents note
Photocopied handwritten notes for lecture and lecture text.
Box 4, Folder 2
Dyspraxia, 1981
1981
Scope and Contents note
Photocopies of typed outline and handwritten notes and text for "Aspects of the Somatomotor Adaptive Response and Praxis."
Box 4, Folder 3
Vestibular Notes Written Up
Scope and Contents note
Photocopied handwritten notes.
Box 4, Folder 4-5
Lectures/Speeches
Scope and Contents note
Photocopied handwritten notes and lecture text.
General note
Blank pages are interleaved between sections too large for a paperclip.
Box 4, Folder 6
Duplicate Lecture Notes, Miscellaneous
1975-1982
Scope and Contents note
Photocopied handwritten notes and lecture text.
General note
Blank pages are interleaved between sections too large for a paperclip.
Box 4, Folder 7
Vestibular System - Rev. (Old Lecture Notes)
1982
Scope and Contents note
Photocopied handwritten notes and lecture text.
Box 4, Folder 8
Measurement Issues in O.T. - USC, 1980
1980
Scope and Contents note
Photocopied handwritten lecture text.
Box 4, Folder 9
USC Students
1987
Scope and Contents note
Photocopied handwritten lecture text, given to USC Occupational Therapy students.
Box 4, Folder 10
Vestibular Nystagmatic Notes
Scope and Contents note
Photocopies of typed and handwritten notes.
Box 5, Folder 1
USC Lectures
1980-1983
Scope and Contents note
Photocopies of handwritten notes and lecture text. Also, "The Organization of the Brain," from Scientific American.
Box 5, Folder 2
Limbic System
Scope and Contents note
Photocopy of handwritten lecture outline and text.
Box 5, Folder 3
Laterization - Notes for Lecture Prep
1972
Scope and Contents note
Photocopy of handwritten lecture notes.
Box 5, Folder 4
Reading Notes 1977 Ahead of Here
Scope and Contents note
Photocopies of handwritten notes.
General note
Blank pages are interleaved between sections too large for a paperclip.
Box 5, Folder 5
Dyspraxia 1985 Lecture
1985
Scope and Contents note
Photocopied typed text and handwritten notes and lecture text.
Box 6
Cassettes
Scope and Contents note
Cassette tapes of Ayres' speeches and lectures, 16 in total.
General note
Donated by Inez Lawson.
Box 10
Class Notes by A. Price Course of Perceptual-Motor Dysfunction taught by A. Jean Ayres at USC, Summer 1964
Scope and Contents note
Notes taken by Antje Price from Ayres' lectures.
General note
Donated by Antje Price.
Box 11, Folder 1
Sensory Integration
1972, 1978, 1999, undated
Scope and Content
Flyers, typescripts, correspondence.
Research
1975-1985
Physical Description: 0.5 Linear Feet
Scope and Contents note
Materials created for and during the praxis study with Zoe Mailloux.
Box 5, Folder 6
Apraxia Study, General
1982
Scope and Contents note
Score sheet variables & description and score sheets.
Box 5, Folder 7
Apraxia Manuscript
1982-1985
Scope and Contents note
Photocopies of test sheets, notes, correspondence, and test results.
Box 5, Folder 8
Diagnoses and Ethnic Group
Scope and Contents note
Photocopied handwritten diagnoses and notes.
Box 5, Folder 9
Procedures: Normals, Means, and Standard Deviations, 9/1984
1983-1984
Scope and Contents note
Photocopied handwritten instructions and notes. Photocopied test sheets and results.
Box 5, Folder 10
Tests, New - Praxis Study
Scope and Contents note
Photocopies of test results, tests, and notes.
Box 5, Folder 11
SI Dys: Test Score Constellations, Draft 2
Scope and Contents note
Photocopied typed results, hand-drawn graphs, and results.
Box 5, Folder 12
SI Dys: Test Score Constellations, Draft 1
1985
Scope and Contents note
Photocopies of handwritten notes and typed final report.
Box 5, Folder 13
SI Dys: Test Score Constellations, Carbons Yellows
Scope and Contents note
Photocopies of pages from a typed report and handwritten notes.
Box 5, Folder 14
Dyspraxia Lecture
Scope and Contents note
Photocopied handwritten lecture text.
Box 5, Folder 15
"Adaptive Behavior as a Therapuetic Process"
1979
Scope and Contents note
Photocopy of handwritten text with note to "Erma" at the top.
Box 5, Folder 16
Script for Adaptive Response Tape
Scope and Contents note
Photocopy of handwritten script.
Publications
1954-2002
Physical Description: 1 Linear Feet
Scope and Contents note
Published works of Ayres, including translations of "Sensory Integration and the Child."
Box 10
"A Neurophysiological Approach to Learning Disabilities in Children"
Scope and Contents note
Brief monograph by Ayres.
Box 10
"Bausteine der kindlichen Entwicklung"
2002
Scope and Contents note
German translation of "Sensory Integration and the Child."
Box 10
"Developmental Dyspraxia and Adult-Onset Apraxia"
1985
Scope and Contents note
Published lecture for Sensory Integration International. Two copies.
General note
Donated by Brian Erwin and Antje Price.
Box 10
"Dijete I Sensorna Integracija"
2002
Scope and Contents note
Croatian translation of "Sensory Integration and the Child."
Box 10
"Kun Lapsi El Opi Leikkimaan"
1983
Scope and Contents note
Finnish translation of "sensory Integration and the Child."
Box 10
"La Integracion Sensorial y El Nino"
1998
Scope and Contents note
Spanish translation of "Sensory Integration and the Child."
Box 10
"Love, Jean: Hope for Children With Dysfunctional Sensory Integration" Draft
Scope and Contents note
Draft copy of "Love, Jean," written after Ayres' death.
Box 10
"Love, Jean: Inspiration for Families Living With Dysfunction of Sensory Integration"
2004
Scope and Contents note
Published book of correspondence between Ayres and her nephew, Philip Erwin, with commentary by Zoe Mailloux.
Box 10
"Perceptual-Motor Dysfunction in Children"
1964
Scope and Contents note
Monograph from lecture in Ohio.
General note
Donated by Antje Price.
Box 10
"Proprioceptive Facilitatoin of the Upper Extemities in Occupational Therapy: A Thesis"
1954
Scope and Contents note
Bound copy of Ayres' master's thesis, original held in the USC library.
Box 10
"Sanseintegration has born"
1984
Scope and Contents note
Danish translation of "Sensory Integration and the Child."
Box 10
"Sensory Integration and the Child"
1979
Scope and Contents note
Ayres' original book about sensory integration.
General note
Donated by Brian Erwin.
Box 10
"Six Perspectives on Theory for the Practice of Occupational Therapy"
1988
Scope and Contents note
Inscribed copy of a book that discusses Ayres' theories.
General note
Donated by Brian Erwin.
Box 10
"The Development of Sensory Integrative Theory and Practice: A Collection of the Works of A. Jean Ayres"
1974
Scope and Contents note
Compilation of writings by Ayres.
General note
Donated by Brian Erwin.
Box 10
"The Effect of Sensory Integrative Therapy on Learning Disabled Children"
1976
Scope and Contents note
Final report of a research project.
Box 10
Ayres Published Articles
Scope and Contents note
Two folders of printed articles.
Box 10
Black Three-Ring Binder, unlabeled
Scope and Contents note
Notes, possibly on a draft of an article or report.
Tests and Artifacts
undated
Physical Description: 1.25 Linear Feet
Scope and Contents note
Includes paper tests in notebooks, objects used in testing, and artifacts..
Box 7
Tests, Tools and Artifacts
Scope and Contents note
Two small notebooks, one labeled "Book One," of tests; eight boxes of psychological tests, including one made by Ayres, the
"Stick Test," color form blocks, and others.
General note
Donated by Brian Erwin.
Box 8
Tests, Tools, and Artifacts
Scope and Contents note
Two medium size notebooks with tests; set of notecards printed from paintings by Ayres; dissection kit; notecards for tests;
spiral-bound tests; Ayres glasses; and wooden shapes for test.
General note
Donated by Brian Erwin.
Box 9
Test, Tools, and Artifacts
Scope and Contents note
Multiple large-sized tests; a black and red yo-yo; six wood-and-wire tools; wooden shapes in a tobacco bag; two blindfolds;
a handkerchief; and a leather bag with miscellaneous papers inside.
General note
Donated by Brian Erwin.
Box 15, Box 16
Interviews, articles, audiovisual material, testing kit, and other material relating to Sensory Integration Disorder [accrual
no. 2022-058]
1944-2006
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Gift of Michael and Margaret Gorman, June 27, 2022 (accrual no. 2022-058).
General
Michael Gorman, PhD conducted many interviews and collected articles, books, and other material about Dr. Ayres' development
of Sensory Integration Disorder and the people and controversies involved in the field. This material includes one of Ayres'
test kits, an original watercolor that Ayres painted during her youth, books, photographs, moving images, audio, and academic
records.